Public Art Commission

The City of Ann Arbor’s Public Art Commission is pleased to share an exciting new opportunity from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Through its Elevate public art program, the DDA is partnering with the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) and the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) to commission three new murals along Ann Street.

These murals will celebrate the area’s rich history as a hub for Ann Arbor’s Black community, highlighting the businesses, families, and civic leaders who shaped its legacy. Each mural will draw inspiration from the Living Oral History Project and its digital archives, interpreting one of the following themes:

  • Black-owned businesses and commercial street scenes
  • Residential and community life, incorporating a map
  • Civic leadership and the Fair Housing Ordinance

Artists are encouraged to apply and take part in this meaningful project.

Learn more and apply by visiting A2AC’s website:

https://www.annarborartcenter.org/art-in-public-calls-for-art-november-2025/ 

Mission 

The Ann Arbor Public Art Commission serves as an advisory body to City Council, dedicated to fostering public art that enhances the beauty of public spaces and structures, while also offering cultural and recreational opportunities that celebrate local heritage, support economic development, and promote the overall well-being of the community.

We are not a source of funding, so all proposed projects must include a funding plan. However, we can offer visibility and feedback on submitted proposals. If your project involves municipal space, the City ordinance requires you to seek our recommendations first. All AAPAC meetings are open to the public, and agendas and minutes are available on the City’s Legistar Calendar.  ​

Art Commission Meetings​​

The Ann Arbor Public Art Commission meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Upcoming 2025 meeting dates include:

  • October 1, 2025
  • November 5, 2025
  • December 3, 2025

This meeting will be broadcast live on CTN Cable Channel 16 and online at watch CTN. To join the webinar and provide public comment, please follow this link for Zoom access and enter the meeting passcode 199831 or dial in by telephone at (833) 548 0282 and enter the webinar ID: 932 8112 0347 when prompted.

Virtual Art Tour

Now you can take a virtual tour of public art in Ann Arbor. Learn more about each piece and the artist behind it. The tool also works on your smartphone, essentially​ serving as a digital guide.

Please note: This list is currently being updated to reflect both new and existing public art throughout Ann Arbor. We appreciate your patience as the map is refreshed.

You can get involved by making a donation, organizing a neighborhood public art project, volunteering to serve on an AAPAC sub-committee, or offering suggestions for public art themes and locations. If you'd like to suggest a location or concept, ideas for public art that the city could commission, please send an email to Christopher Cespedes at ccespedes@a2gov.org

Public Art Commissioners:​

  • ​Cynthia Harrison, Member of City Council (non-voting)
  • Mary Thiefels, Artist (Chair)
  • Sarah Fuller,  Artist (Vice-Chair)
  • Jamall Bufford, ​WISD Project Specialist​​
  • Allison Buck, Marketing Director
  • John Kotarski, Educator
  • Marianetta Porter,  Artist/Professor
  • Peggy Leonard, Elementary Art Teacher​
​
​Citizens interested in supporting and promoting the City of Ann Arbor through participation on a city board or commission, please visit the Boards and Commissions page.

​​​Sixth floor, 301 E. Huron Street, PO Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107

To contact the Public Art Commission, please email:

PublicArtCommission@a2gov.org 

(Note: Emails received by the last Friday of each month will be included in the agenda under Public Comment. Personal contact details will be redacted for privacy.)

Staff Liaison:

Christopher Cespedes
📧 ccespedes@a2gov.org
📞 734.794.6310 x43102

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